Archive for February, 2011

We all know Staples in the world’s largest office products company, but did you know they also have a business to business division called Staples Advantage? Staples Advantage works with companies to develop customized programs in areas such as specialized pricing and account management. Within Staples Advantage is something called Sustainable Earth. This is a division that offers eco-friendly products that provide safer alternatives for companies and the planet.

Recently, Sustainable Earth has expanded their line with eco-friendly kitchen, break room, paper, and janitorial products. The kitchen line offers compostable products like cutlery, bowls, plates, cups and lids. These products are certified by the Biodegradable Product Institute because the cups and lids, for example are made from corn-based materials and the cutlery is made from sugarcane. The new paper product line features items such as facial tissues and toilet paper that are made from 100% recovered paper fiber and contain a minimum of 40% post consumer content.

Staples Advantage hopes to provide eco-friendly solutions for businesses to help then achieve their sustainability goals. Apart from the eco-friendly products, they also provide recycling services and energy efficient technologies to help companies make a difference and become more eco-friendly.

Odwalla, maker of natural juices, smoothies, protein drinks, and food bars will be hitting shelves this March, but in a greener fashion. Odwalla will be transitioning from their traditional packaging to the PlantBottle. This new bottle is made of 100% plant-based materials and is 100% recyclable. It also consists of materials derived from molasses and sugarcane juice. The goal with this new Odwalla packaging is to reduce dependence on nonrenewable resources. Coca-Cola, along with many others have replaced their traditional packaging with the PlantBottle, in an effort to make their packaging more eco-friendly.

The PlantBottle is just another step Odwalla has taken to become a more sustainable company. They have created an organization called Plant a Tree Program, which has planted more than 300,000 trees in the last 3 years. They also developed Bloom Energy Fuel Cell technology which reduces Odwalla’s carbon footprint of its plant by 35%. The PlantBottle, along with their other green innovations are helping to reduce their dependence on nonrenewable resources.

It is that time of year where the flowers, heart shaped chocolate boxes, and cards flow to the ones we love. Valentine’s day used to be known for its red and pink colors, but this year we can incorporate green into the lovely holiday. What does green have to do with Valentine’s Day you ask? Well there are ways to not only show our love to our significant others but to the planet as well.

Here are 10 ways to go green this Valentine’s Day:

1. Cards can be hand made from recycled or tree free paper
2. E-cards can be sent
3. Buy chocolates and/or flowers that are organic
4. Make a donation to an environmental organization on behalf of the person
5. Jewelry can be purchased from jewelers who are certified in sourcing precious metals and gemstones in an ecologically and socially responsible manner
6. Gift certificates for holistic therapies (massage, health spa, ect.) make great gifts
7. Have dinner at a restaurant specializing in organic or locally grown food
8. If dining in, prepare a meal using organic or locally grown ingredients
9. If purchasing perfumes or fragrances, buy the ones that are natural instead of synthetic
10. Going green involves imagination. Use your imagination and come up with some do it yourself gifts for your loved ones and have fun with it

Bota Box is a family owned winery located in California. They have 87 years of experience in wine making and wine growing and are taking their knowledge to produce environmentally friendly packaging for their wines. Bota Box has recently launched Bota 500ml Tetra Paks that are not only eco-friendly, but are tailored to fit active lifestyles.

The new Tetra Paks are 100% recyclable, unbleached, and are post consumer fiber printed, using soy based ink. This new packaging is lightweight, which helps minimize its carbon footprint, reduces greenhouse gases by 75%, and cuts waste by 50%. Gas emissions are also decreased since its lighter weight enables the overall shipping weight to be smaller. The Tetra Paks also cater to active lifestyles because of their multifaceted design. They are shatterproof, portable, and re-sealable with its twist off cap.

The new Bota Box Tetra Paks will roll out nationwide and will come in four of their most popular flavors: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay.